We are a family that loves to travel to resorts with over-the-top resort pools and lazy rivers. We are self-proclaimed lazy river experts and we’ve compiled a list of the best lazy rivers in Arizona. You may think “Which is the Best Lazy River in Arizona” would be an easy question for us to answer… BUT is there such a thing as a bad lazy river?
We hope this list of the Top 10 Best Lazy Rivers in Arizona or the honorable mention Best Arizona Resort Pools can help you plan where to float off to next under the Arizona sun! Looking for something other than a lazy river? Check out our list of the Best Family Resorts in Arizona!
Top 10 Best Lazy Rivers in Arizona
1. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa – Phoenix, AZ
The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort offers a relaxing lazy river that winds through the resort nestled amidst the sprawling desert landscape of Phoenix, Arizona. This lazy river provides guests with a refreshing escape floating along the gentle currents and basking in the warm desert sun. The sides of this lazy river look like a pool and it is surrounded by xeriscaped beds with larger trees that provide some shade as well as a few bridges it goes under that also provide opportunities for shade. The lazy river is nice and wide and has a great vantage point to see the multiple water slides! There are also multiple pools, a splash pad, and a hot tub that are separate from the lazy river in the Aqua Ridge Water Park.
When you’re ready to get out of the lazy river (like that ever happens!), guests can indulge in one of the resort’s meticulously manicured golf courses. The six on-site dining options have something for everyone, even your most selective (see: picky) eaters! I recently enjoyed the turkey wrap with poolside service before taking a trip (or 10) around the lazy river! For families traveling with little ones, the resort provides a range of engaging activities at the kids’ club, while adults can unwind at the full-service spa — parents on the loose!
What we love most about it:
- Riding the water slides and the lazy river
- Soaking up some sun and getting some exercise on the pickleball courts
- Dining at the six on-site restaurants and bars – it’s vacation, right?
Read our full resort review here: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa
📍JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa – 5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054
2. Arizona Grand Resort and Spa – Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Grand Resort is an all-suites resort located in southeastern Phoenix with beautiful mountain views and “The Oasis” water park. It includes 3 water slides that start 8 stories high(!), a zero-grade entry wave pool, a resort pool complete with water volleyball, a 25-person hot tub (yes, you read that correctly), a splash area for kids, oh! and a lazy river! The gentle river surrounded by waterfalls and rock formations winds under bridges and past the water slides with either single or double tubes to choose from. There are poolside loungers, day beds, and private cabanas around the lazy river for the ultimate day of relaxation!
Aside from the lazy river and “The Oasis” water park, The Arizona Grand Resort offers guests a luxurious desert retreat perfect for families seeking a memorable vacation in Phoenix. The spacious all-suites resort was designed with families in mind with separate living rooms, a dining table, and mini fridge. Guests can unwind at the expansive athletic club and spa offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and golf enthusiasts can tee off at the challenging 18-hole course. The resort’s dining options cater to all tastes, from casual poolside bites to gourmet dining experiences. We enjoyed dining al fresco at the famous Aunt Chilada’s that is a short walk from the resort and can be charged to your room. The Arizona Grand Resort provides a great, family-friendly setting for families to create lasting memories!
What we love most about it:
- The 8-story high water slides at “The Oasis” water park
- Floating away in the wave pool and lazy river
- The full-service spa… cause life is all about balance!
Read our full resort review here: Arizona Grand Resort and Spa
📍Arizona Grand Resort and Spa – 8000 South Arizona Grand E, Phoenix, AZ
3. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort– Tucson, AZ
The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort is located in Tucson, Arizona (shocker, right?). The resort’s lazy river offers guests a tranquil escape overlooking the lush golf course in the heart of the desert. Soak up the Arizona sun and take in the beauty of saguaro-studded foothills and breathtaking mountain vistas on a pass (or four) around this lazy river. When you get tired of floating (like that could happen), be sure to check out the multi-tier pools, hot tub, and water slide.
The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort also has three 9-hole golf courses with beautiful desert views and a full-service spa. Families can also bond over outdoor activities like guided hikes, bike tours, and evening telescope stargazing sessions. A couple of unique experiences you won’t want to miss at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort include a morning Native American ritual, Mitakuye Oyasin, and the nightly Tequila Toast on the patio. Cheers!
What we love most about it:
- Water slide that connects to the lazy river
- Desert views form the golf courses
- Evening stargazing sessions with the resort telescope
Read our full resort review here: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
📍JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort – 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
4. The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa – Scottsdale, AZ
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona offers guests the perfect blend of relaxation and family fun in the lazy river at the Adventure Water Park. The lazy river winds through a stunning cactus garden landscape. Soak in breathtaking views of the majestic McDowell Mountains as you leisurely float along, passing under charming bridges and past cascading waterfalls. It’s the ideal spot to unwind, create family memories, and beat the heat with loved ones in the stunning Arizona desert landscape!
Beyond the lazy river, the Adventure Water Park at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa features thrilling waterslides, a flow rider (a surfing simulator with perpetually perfect waves), and a kid-friendly splash pad, promising hours of fun for the whole family. The resort’s dining options range from casual poolside fare to sophisticated farm-to-table experiences, ensuring there is something for everyone in your group to enjoy. For families seeking a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and lasting family memories, the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is definitely worth exploring!
What we love most about it:
- Relaxing on the lazy river
- Lounging poolside on a private island
- Playing 27 holes at Westin Kierland Golf Club – check out more of the Best Golf Resorts in Arizona!
Read our full resort review here: Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
📍Westin Kierland Resort and Spa– 6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
5. Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak – Phoenix, AZ
Beyond the allure of the lazy river, the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak offers a cozy, all-suites desert retreat for families visiting Phoenix. Guests can enjoy dining poolside or grabbing some bbq at one of the on-site restaurants. Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak also boasts a relaxing spa, a fitness center, and while there is not a golf course on the property, there is mini golf… and no shortage of award-winning golf courses in Phoenix!
What we love most about it:
- Taking in the mountain views from the lazy river
- Playing kid-friendly mini golf with the whole family
- Enjoying a frozen drink poolside
Read our full resort review here: Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
📍Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak– 7677 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020
6. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – Glendale, AZ
At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Glendale, Arizona, families can float the day away on the Castaway Cove Lazy River which serves as a tranquil respite amidst the adrenaline-pumping water park. Float along the winding path, passing tropical landscapes and under refreshing waterfalls. At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, families can soak up the sun, enjoy the water park’s thrilling rides, and savor moments of serenity on the lazy river.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is a water park located in the heart of the desert, offering families a thrilling yet relaxing escape from the Arizona heat. The park features a wide variety of water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, splash zones, and kiddie play areas catering to visitors of all ages. Thrill-seekers can brave towering slides like Tornado and Bahama Blasters, while little ones can splash around in the safe and fun-filled Buccaneer Beach. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is a splash-tastic time for families of all ages and sizes!
What at we love most about it:
- The lazy river – duh! It has just enough fountains to keep it exciting
- Kid’s play area perfect for the littlest ones in your bunch
- Water Slides with thrilling and relaxing rides for the whole family to enjoy
📍Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310
7. Great Wolf Lodge – Scottsdale, AZ
The indoor lazy river at the Great Wolf Lodge located in Scottsdale, AZ ensures you’ll have a relaxing float even if it’s too cold or hot (looking at you, Arizona!) outside. The Great Wolf Lodge is a super kid-friendly resort within a water park that feels like a full-on Walt Disney World theme park, complete with character appearances!
The water park at Great Wolf Lodge is perfect for both little and big kids (and adults) with multiple water slides, splash pads, water playgrounds, and pools. There are plenty of activities to do outside the pool too and even themed suites for your family to stay in that do a great job of catering to a larger group. Gather your wolf pack entire family and jump in! You can also purchase day passes if you’re not planning to stay overnight at the resort.
What we love most about it:
- Floating the lazy river with my “wolf pack”
- The indoor/outdoor water park that is open year round
- Themed family suites – don’t have to put the pack-n-play in the closet!
Read our full resort review here: Great Wolf Lodge
📍Great Wolf Lodge – 7333 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
8. Golfland Sunsplash – Mesa, AZ
Golfland Sunsplash is a family-friendly water park and entertainment center, offering an array of attractions for visitors of all ages in Mesa, Arizona. The Thunder Bay Lazy River provides a serene oasis for families seeking relaxation amidst the water park’s thrilling attractions. The lazy river at Golfland Sunsplash Mesa is the perfect spot for families to spend the day together and create core memories.
In addition to the lazy river, the Golfland Sunsplash water park features thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a splash pad ensuring non-stop fun for the entire family. Brave the twists and turns of water slides like the Double Dare, Thunder Falls, and Master Blaster, or relax in the wave pool, enjoying the rhythmic ebb and flow of the water. The park also offers mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, and go-karts, providing an extensive variety of activities for family members of all ages.
What we love most about it:
- Floating the lazy river on a hot Arizona day!
- Family-friendly activities like laser tag, go-karts, and mini golf
- Splash pad perfect for littles to get in on the water fun!
📍Golfland Sunsplash – 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
9. Waylon’s Water World – Yuma, AZ
Waylon’s Water World is a family-friendly water park in Yuma, Arizona, close to the California border. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the relaxing experience, providing a welcome respite from the exhilarating water slides and splash zones.
Waylon’s Water World features a wide range of attractions besides the lazy river, including thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and interactive play areas. For the little ones, a designated kids’ area with age-appropriate attractions ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s the lazy river’s tranquil journey or the park’s array of exciting water activities, Waylon’s Water World is the perfect destination for a fantastic family day out in Yuma!
What we love most about it:
- Traveling via lazy river around Waylon’s World water park
- Channeling a day at the beach splashing in the wave pool
- The variety of water slides to ride – fun for the whole family!
📍Waylon’s Water World – 446 E County 10th St, Yuma, AZ 85365
10. Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes – Tempe, AZ
The lazy river at the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes in Tempe, AZ is short yet functional. It connects the two heated resort pools so you quite literally never have to get out of the water! It goes under a few bridges and is temperature-controlled. It’s a great way to beat the heat on a hot Arizona day – like we ever have those!
The Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes is nestled into the rocky hillside close to Arizona State University in western Phoenix. The resort has multiple heated outdoor pools and a hot tub, tennis courts, and a spa. There are 5 options for dining and drinks including the Top of the Rock restaurant with some of the best views of Phoenix. There are also family-friendly events at this resort including poolside yoga and guided trail hikes of The Buttes.
What we love most about it:
- Moving between the two heated pools via lazy river
- Poolside yoga
- Views from Top of the Rock restaurant
Read our full resort review here: Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes
📍Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes – 2000 W Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282
Honorable Mentions: Best Resort Pools in Arizona
Arizona Family Resorts with over-the-top resort pools so great you won’t even miss the lazy river!
1. Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is synonymous with luxury family resort. Choose your level of accommodation including a standard hotel room, a suite, a cottage, or a villa. There are 2 golf courses, a spa, and tennis courts on the property. The Arizona Biltmore has 7 (yes, seven) pools including an adult-only pool and a family-friendly pool with three water slides. Wet your whistle at one of 5 onsite dining options ranging from upscale to casual with two vibey cocktail bars, one of which claims to be the birthplace of the Tequila sunrise! Family-friendly event programming includes activities like family yoga, dive-in movies, and family fitness walks. There is also Kids Night Out programming for kids aged 4-12 years old from 6-10 pm… tequila sunrise, anyone??
What we love most about it:
- Sipping a Tequila Sunrise at it’s (alleged) birthplace
- Setting a good wellness example at the family yoga class
- Kid’s Night Out programming that pairs perfectly with the vibey cocktail bar
Read our full resort review here: Arizona Biltmore
📍Arizona Biltmore – 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016
2. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch – Scottsdale, AZ
3. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Scottsdale, AZ
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is a luxury resort with, wait for it… SIX pools. A family-friendly pool complete with 2 water slides, a white sand beach pool surrounded by palm trees, an adult-only pool, a spa rooftop pool, the main resort pool, and a private pool for guests staying in the Privado ultra-luxurious accommodations. Make sure you take some time away from the pools to enjoy the 5 incredible restaurants, the full-service spa, and the beautiful resort grounds. Guests of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort have access to the best golf course in Scottsdale including the TPC Scottsdale of the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open fame.
What we love most about it:
- Putting our toes in sand at the white sandy beach pool – Florida Beach vibes in Arizona!
- Full-service spa so our vacation is actually rejuvenating!
- Literally all of the six on-site restaurants – y.u.m.
Read our full resort review here: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort
📍Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort – 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
4. The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ
The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona offers guests a luxury resort experience with world class golf, a full service spa, fitness classes, a game room, and sports courts. There is a three tiered oasis with multiple pools for guests including an adult-only pool as well as a family-friendly pool area, a water slide, and a splash fort. There are 8 dining and drink options on the property ranging from upscale to casual.
What we love most about it:
- Making core family memories at the kid-friendly splash fort
- Getting some exercise on the sports courts
- Eight on-site restaurants and bars to choose from – something for everyone!
Read our full resort review here: The Phoenician
📍The Phoenician – 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
5. The Wigwam – Litchfield Park, AZ
The Wigwam is a historic resort in West Phoenix that first opened its doors as a resort in 1929. Don’t let that fool you this is a modern-day Arizona resort with upscale dining, 3 golf courses, a spa, and tennis and pickleball courts. Accommodations at The Wigwam include luxury suites and casitas with a tasteful, modern southwestern aesthetic. There is a family-friendly pool and hot tub complete with 2 waterslides and also an adults-only pool and hot tub (parents on the loose!) if you’re looking for something a little more romantic.
What we love most about it:
- Relaxing at the resort pools and hot tub
- Playing a round at one of the 3 golf courses – more Best Arizona Golf Resorts
- The Wigwam resort history… if these walls could talk!
Read our full resort review here: The Wigwam
📍The Wigwam – 300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Check out our other Best of Arizona Lists:
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